Put Your Family Tree in Shape

Figuring out a family's history, its part in historical events or the colorful people that may have inhabited your particular family tree can be a richly rewarding experience. But even such an experience does not come easily.

Many people who wish to start researching their family tree usually have no idea where to begin or how to start. So to make it easier, people should the following four things in mind before launching such an endeavor: have a plan, keep track of a goal, have a broad set of goals, and utilize a methodology that suits the person doing the research.

First off, a person should have a relatively clear idea of which direction the family tree research will be going. What particular genealogical goal does the person wish to accomplish? This goal should remain at the forefront at all times to remind the person of why he's doing this project in the first place. It's very easy to become lost or distracted with the barrage of new information that one comes across. This primary goal doesn't have to be multifaceted, just something to keep the person focused.

Once a specific goal is made, keep a list of all the individual goals that need to be completed or reached in order to complete the project. It usually helps to have a written list, either on a piece of paper or index cards, in front of you at all times so they can be reviewed or checked off as needed. With all the information available online, it is too easy to become sidetracked. Keeping the list in front of you helps keep you on track.

One of the most helpful things in genealogy research is to complete the stated goal with what is known as broad strokes. Don't become too focused on finding information on a narrowly focused part of the goal, such as restricting research to only finding information on one family member or one area about which very little is known. That can lead to frustration or distraction when information does not readily appear. Instead of that one little known family member, trying to do more research on that member's more popular sibling, or research about the next town over that has thrived over the years. More often than not, the information you were originally looking for will be found once you start looking outside the focus.

And finally, try to codify your methods for doing things. This seems trivial at first, but it will help streamline your research if you prepare to do things the way you feel most comfortable doing them. Some people like to research family members by whole lineages first, or by locations of origins first. Find out what works for you, that way you won't be struggling to get things done.

Genealogy can be a fun hobby, and by using the four aforementioned guidelines; have a plan, keep track of a goal, have a broad set of goals, and utilizing a methodology, family tree research can be a rewarding experience.

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